In the early 1590s a theatrical legend was born. Ever since Richard Gloucester first limped on to the early modern stage; this virtuoso in evil has stretched the greatest of actors and mesmerized audiences around the globe. This Handbook offers students; performers and general readers alike an entertaining introduction to the rich history and exciting performance potential of Shakespeares early masterpiece. An extensive commentary focuses on the challenges to actors and directors in putting Richard III on stage and encourages the reader to engage imaginatively with Shakespeares words. Paul Prescott offers a lively and theatrically sensitive description of Richard III as it unfolds; line by line and moment by moment; within the charged atmosphere of live performance. The Handbook also includes:- a concise account of the works textual history and dramatic influences- extracts from cultural and historical source materials- an evocative survey of four hundred years of stage history; ranging from first performances to Sir Ian McKellens interpretation at the close of the twentieth century- a thematic exploration of critical approaches to the play- a guide to film and television adaptations; from Frederick Wardes 1912 silent film version to Al Pacinos Looking for Richard.This is a comprehensive and wide-ranging study of one of Shakespeares most popular and theatrically thrilling plays.
#374323 in eBooks 2013-12-16 2013-12-16File Name: B00F2JFS2O
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Lovely Prose; Very Readable!By CustomerI was delighted to learn about the banya! Talk of steaming in Russia didnt sound up my interest alley; however; I found reading the book an adventure not only in steaming; but in the history of a country that seems so distant and unreachable. A memoir of a decade in post-wall Russia as an American journalist finding his way through the banya; is written in prose that rings true with the love he found in his banya and the Russian friends he found while steaming. The changes to Russia and how it affected the banya; as well as the people; are as fascinating as the vivid descriptions of the many ways of steaming. The sensitivity shown in the authors lovely style of writing tells as much about the man as it does his subject. Best of all the steaming was described in such detail as reached my senses; that I have come away believing that the banya is much like a poem.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A moving and beautifully written accountBy CustomerOnce in awhile I come across a book that Im thrilled to return to; evening after pleasurable evening. This is one of these rare ones. The author shares his personal search with elegance and honesty; in the startling context of the post-Soviet Russian experience. It is a generous story. I hope it gets the recognition it deserves.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A great read... Youll enjoy and youll learn something about places that most people dont knowBy Marguerit E. FerraEven if you had NO interest in steaming; you will love this book. I enjoyed every page and learned a lot about modern Russia. I also enjoyed Bryon MacWilliams personal adventures there as an American. I heartily recommend this book and I hope that you order it and read it. A great read.